Cannibalism

[chickens really]

Scratch is not feed...Balanced nutrition for the breeds you have needs to be addressed..What breeds are they?..

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Scratch is inadequate nutrition and protein. They'll cannibalize for protein. Also they need grit for anything other than starter crumble or they'll get impacted crops.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

chicken scratch isnt the best thing . They will feather pick if their diet is lacking. Chick started or flock raiser MIGHT fix your problem

 

[JudysMuscovy]

It's a VERY large coop and they are not crowded at all. I have ameruacana, buff orphington, and anconas

Is there a way you can put up partitions? At least then you can figure out who's doing the cannibalism. Maybe also give them something to do, like a cabbage ball

 

[Tinyturd]

What's your climate, adding location to your profile can be really helpful.

How much indoor space? Are you still providing heat and how if so?

I'm in oklahoma, they have an indoor space of 8x12. I haven't been providing any heat since temps are in the 70s to 80s during the day and 50s to 60s at night

 

[Tinyturd]

Is there a way you can put up partitions? At least then you can figure out who's doing the cannibalism. Maybe also give them something to do, like a cabbage ball

They are all fully feathered and quiet large, so didn't think it was necessary to continue heating them

 

[Tinyturd]

Is there a way you can put up partitions? At least then you can figure out who's doing the cannibalism. Maybe also give them something to do, like a cabbage ball

I hadn't thought about that. That's not a bad idea and I have one of those on hand!

 

[Tinyturd]

chicken scratch isnt the best thing . They will feather pick if their diet is lacking. Chick started or flock raiser MIGHT fix your problem

Ok I'll try that, thanks!

 

[rosemarythyme]

8x12 coop? That's space for 24 adult birds max, and growing chicks require a lot of space too. If they're dying inside the coop my guess is crowded conditions at night plus the scratch-only diet is causing the issues. Are you planning to keep all these chicks or are some of them being processed for meat?

 

[Tinyturd]

8x12 coop? That's space for 24 adult birds max, and growing chicks require a lot of space too. If they're dying inside the coop my guess is crowded conditions at night plus the scratch-only diet is causing the issues. Are you planning to keep all these chicks or are some of them being processed for meat?

The roosters will be processed for meat except for a select few. Once old enough the will be free range during the day. At the moment they have a 50x50 run that is covered and secured, they have access to day and night. And a 8x12 covered coop they also have access to day and night